Married at First Sight

Erika quickly said, "No, I need to get back and help the kids with their homework. There's so much of it during winter break. If I don't keep an eye on them, they'll just play games on their phones." Kathryn nodded. "You're right, sister-in-law. Make sure to stay on top of it. Don't let them get lost in gaming and watching videos. If you have the time, it's best to supervise them yourself. Kids can't be expected to have that kind of self-control. Even we adults struggle to put down our phones."Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

It was adults who set the example for kids' habits with electronics. Parents often occupied themselves with their phones, avoiding interaction with their kids. And when the kids got restless, parents handed them devices to keep them quiet so they could continue using their own in peace. But that just led to children becoming glued to screens.

When their school performance dropped, parents suddenly laid down strict rules, taking the devices away. Chaos followed.

Some kids even resorted to extreme behavior, threatening to harm themselves if they weren't given their phones. Tragically, some even carried out those threats.

Every child starts as a blank slate. And what gets drawn on that slate depends on their parents, doesn't it?

People always say parents are a child's first teachers, and their actions and words shape their kids' lives.

Erika sighed. "I wasn't strict enough with them before, and now it's hard to turn things around. If I ease up, they're sweet and loving. But if I push them on their studies, it's a constant battle. Helping them with homework sometimes feels like it's going to give me a heart attack." Kathryn wasn't sure how to respond.

Erika continued, "You and Mr. Fraser should head home now. I won't keep you any longer. But if you do decide to leave, let me know ahead of time so we can have one last meal together. We might not be sisters-in-law anymore, but we can still be friends. You'll always be my kids' aunt." Erika knew Kathryn planned to leave Jensburg.

They parted ways in the hospital parking lot.

Kathryn stood by her car, watching until Erika was out of sight before getting in.

Meanwhile, Marco was at a café near the hospital, nervously sipping his second cup of coffee. He didn't know how Erika's conversation with Kathryn had gone or if Kathryn had been willing to listen.

He tried to manage his expectations, telling himself not to get his hopes up. But hope was hard to squash, and it left him feeling on edge.

When Erika walked in, Marco stood up and waved her over.

She sat across from him. "Want some coffee? I'll get you a cup," Marco offered, trying to sound upbeat.

"No, I'm fine," Erika replied. "I'm just here to tell you how it went. Kathryn's mind is set, and nothing will change it—not even a herd of wild horses. Don't push it any further; it's pointless. Don't even think about lawsuits-they won't change anything. The will was left by your mother, and Kathryn didn't alter a thing. It's legitimate. Accept it for what it is. From your mom's estate, you're entitled to about 2%. That's more than enough to live comfortably for the rest of your life. Leave the kids' shares to me. I'll manage them until they're old enough to handle things on their own."

Marco was bound to remarry. He had been seeing other women even before their divorce. Now, as a single man with no kids living at home, it was only a matter of time before he started dating again. Remarriage was highly likely. Erika feared that if the children's shares fell into Marco's hands, he would spend them. Better to secure their future now, while Marco was still somewhat cooperative.